Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington is an actor, composer, composer/lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include Play On! and Timon of Athens.
Date of Birth: April 29, 1899
Date of Death: May 24, 1974 (75)
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Duke Ellington:
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Duke Ellington
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Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music in a Play
Duke Ellington, Timon of Athens
Videos
Video: Alan H. Green Reflects on PLAY ON! at Chicago Shakespeare
by Joshua Wright - 2026-10-09 13:55:36
Video: PLAY ON! Trailer Released Ahead of Chicago Shakespeare Theater Premiere
by Michael Major - 2026-09-18 15:32:27
Video: Inside PLAY ON! Rehearsals at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Michael Major - 2026-08-18 15:21:05
Video: Opera Singer Denyce Graves Reflects on Career Ahead of Retirement on PBS
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-11 10:31:46
Video: Original DREAMGIRLS Star Jennifer Holliday Sings 'I Am Changing' At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-01-09 23:01:37
News
Video: Alan H. Green Reflects on PLAY ON! at Chicago Shakespeare
by Joshua Wright - Oct 9, 2026
Alan H. Green, who made his Broadway debut in the original PLAY ON! 29 years ago, discusses returning to the show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where he now plays Rev.
by Joshua Wright - Oct 9, 2026
Alan H. Green, who made his Broadway debut in the original PLAY ON! 29 years ago, discusses returning to the show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where he now plays Rev.
MURDER AT ACKERTON MANOR to Open at Fulton Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026
The Fulton Theatre will present Steven Gallagher's comedy whodunit MURDER AT ACKERTON MANOR at its Tell Studio Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, opening in October.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026
The Fulton Theatre will present Steven Gallagher's comedy whodunit MURDER AT ACKERTON MANOR at its Tell Studio Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, opening in October.
Jca Orchestra to Open 41st Season at Boston and Cambridge Venues
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra will perform consecutive concerts featuring new compositions by resident composers David Harris, Darrell Katz, Bob Pilkington and Mimi Rabson at two Boston-area venues.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra will perform consecutive concerts featuring new compositions by resident composers David Harris, Darrell Katz, Bob Pilkington and Mimi Rabson at two Boston-area venues.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE to Play Lehman Center
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
The touring production of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE will be presented at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, featuring the Peanuts characters and music by Vince Guaraldi.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
The touring production of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE will be presented at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, featuring the Peanuts characters and music by Vince Guaraldi.
Amanda Green, Julie Halston, Jackie Hoffman and More Set for Birdland in October
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present artists including Amanda Green, Ron Carter, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, and performers from Broadway musicals including REGENCY GIRLS and CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present artists including Amanda Green, Ron Carter, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, and performers from Broadway musicals including REGENCY GIRLS and CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
Russell Gunn & BLACKHAWK Release AFRIKAN-AMERIKAN BOOK OF THE DEAD
by Rachel Stone - Oct 2, 2026
Trumpeter and composer Russell Gunn released the second single from his new album, a seven-song project drawing inspiration from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead and recontextualizing it through African American experiences.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 2, 2026
Trumpeter and composer Russell Gunn released the second single from his new album, a seven-song project drawing inspiration from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead and recontextualizing it through African American experiences.
FIRST-NAME BASIS Will Make Mainstage Debut at New York Festival of Song
by Rachel Stone - Oct 1, 2026
The New York Festival of Song opens its season with a concert of songs named for historical figures and literary characters, from Beethoven's Adelaide to the Beatles' Michelle, featuring soprano Christine Taylor Price, mezzo-soprano Megan Moore, and baritone Samuel Kidd.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 1, 2026
The New York Festival of Song opens its season with a concert of songs named for historical figures and literary characters, from Beethoven's Adelaide to the Beatles' Michelle, featuring soprano Christine Taylor Price, mezzo-soprano Megan Moore, and baritone Samuel Kidd.
THE NUTCRACKER SUITE Comes to Skirball Center with Dorrance Dance
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2026
Tap dance stars Michelle Dorrance, Josette Wiggan, and Hannah Heller will present a jazzy reimagining of THE NUTCRACKER SUITE set to the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement at The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2026
Tap dance stars Michelle Dorrance, Josette Wiggan, and Hannah Heller will present a jazzy reimagining of THE NUTCRACKER SUITE set to the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement at The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York.
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater Unveils October Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present nightly performances throughout October, featuring The Hot Sardines, Ron Carter, and birthday celebrations for Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present nightly performances throughout October, featuring The Hot Sardines, Ron Carter, and birthday celebrations for Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.
Suzanne Vega to Receive Phoebe Jacobs Award from Louis Armstrong Center
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026
Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega will be honored with the 2026 Phoebe Jacobs Award at the Wonderful World Gala in New York City for her work using music to heal and connect audiences.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026
Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega will be honored with the 2026 Phoebe Jacobs Award at the Wonderful World Gala in New York City for her work using music to heal and connect audiences.
Chronicles of a Girl Singer: A New Dream
by Guest Blog: Melissa Errico - Sep 28, 2026
'On songs, surrealism, love letters, and discovering what an album was about after I had already made it.' Melissa Errico shares reflections on her new album, I CAN DREAM, CAN'T I?
by Guest Blog: Melissa Errico - Sep 28, 2026
'On songs, surrealism, love letters, and discovering what an album was about after I had already made it.' Melissa Errico shares reflections on her new album, I CAN DREAM, CAN'T I?
The Smith Center to Present PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ELF THE MUSICAL Fall 2026
by Rachel Stone - Sep 26, 2026
The Smith Center will present major Broadway productions including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (October 21–November 1), ELF THE MUSICAL (November 24–29), and OH, MARY! (October 6–11), with tickets on sale now.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 26, 2026
The Smith Center will present major Broadway productions including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (October 21–November 1), ELF THE MUSICAL (November 24–29), and OH, MARY! (October 6–11), with tickets on sale now.
SOPHISTICATED LADIES to Open WBTT's 2026-2027 Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present SOPHISTICATED LADIES, a musical revue celebrating Duke Ellington's jazz legacy, at The Donelly Theatre in Sarasota.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present SOPHISTICATED LADIES, a musical revue celebrating Duke Ellington's jazz legacy, at The Donelly Theatre in Sarasota.
BLUES AND THE ABSTRACT TRUTH to be Performed by NEC Jazz Orchestra
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2026
The NEC Jazz Orchestra under conductor Ken Schaphorst will perform Blues and the Abstract Truth, featuring compositions by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and others at Boston's Plimpton Shattuck Black Box Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2026
The NEC Jazz Orchestra under conductor Ken Schaphorst will perform Blues and the Abstract Truth, featuring compositions by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and others at Boston's Plimpton Shattuck Black Box Theatre.
Everett McCorvey to Conduct Two Music Worcester Concerts in November
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Conductor Everett McCorvey leads two concerts celebrating American composers George Gershwin and Duke Ellington as Music Worcester's Artist-in-Residence, featuring the Worcester Chorus, National Chorale, and guest soloists at venues including Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Conductor Everett McCorvey leads two concerts celebrating American composers George Gershwin and Duke Ellington as Music Worcester's Artist-in-Residence, featuring the Worcester Chorus, National Chorale, and guest soloists at venues including Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall.
Pianist Chengcheng Ma to Make Carnegie Hall Debut
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Pianist Chengcheng Ma will perform his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall, featuring world and U.S. premieres and works by living composers.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2026
Pianist Chengcheng Ma will perform his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall, featuring world and U.S. premieres and works by living composers.
Noah Kellman, Alexander Claffy and Charles Goold to Perform at Jazz Vespers
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Pianist and composer Noah Kellman will present a multimedia talk examining jazz's evolution from Mozart to contemporary artists, featuring archival images, listening examples, and live demonstrations at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Pianist and composer Noah Kellman will present a multimedia talk examining jazz's evolution from Mozart to contemporary artists, featuring archival images, listening examples, and live demonstrations at Saint Peter's Church in Manhattan.
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble to Present 10th THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble will present their 10th annual production of THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. The all-tap reimagining of the holiday classic features a cast of over 40 dancers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble will present their 10th annual production of THE TAPCRACKER at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia. The all-tap reimagining of the holiday classic features a cast of over 40 dancers.
Feature: THE FULTON THEATRE at Lancaster, PA
by Joyce Phillips - Sep 21, 2026
The Fulton is a historic theatre located in the heart of Lancaster City, PA. It is truly a Broadway theatre, inside and out. This article covers its history, the Lancaster community, the Jonathan Groff connection, and their upcoming 2026-27 season.
by Joyce Phillips - Sep 21, 2026
The Fulton is a historic theatre located in the heart of Lancaster City, PA. It is truly a Broadway theatre, inside and out. This article covers its history, the Lancaster community, the Jonathan Groff connection, and their upcoming 2026-27 season.
Roger Kellaway, John Goldsby and Terry Clarke to Present Jazz Events at The New School
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 21, 2026
The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School will host a masterclass, concert, and rhythm section workshop featuring pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist John Goldsby, and drummer Terry Clarke, with selections from their 1986 album In Japan.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 21, 2026
The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School will host a masterclass, concert, and rhythm section workshop featuring pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist John Goldsby, and drummer Terry Clarke, with selections from their 1986 album In Japan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Duke Ellington written?
Duke Ellington has written 15 shows including Cotton Club Parade (Composer), Jump for Joy (Composer), Blue Holiday (Composer/Lyricist), Beggar's Holiday (Composer), My People (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Pousse-Café (Composer), Bubbling Brown Sugar (Composer/Lyricist), Sophisticated Ladies (Lyricist), Queenie Pie (Composer), Stardust (Composer), A Drum is a Woman (Composer/Lyricist), Play On! (Composer), Dream (Composer/Lyricist), Swing! (Composer/Lyricist), Taking a Chance on Love (Composer).
What awards has Duke Ellington been nominated for?
Duke Ellington has been nominated for the Outstanding Music in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on the play "Timon of Athens".
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